Tag Archives: spindle

Working on my automated build platform

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I had some technical trouble with my automated build platform today.  (Yesterday?  Last night?  It all blurs.  :) )

I’ve fixed some problems and found others.

Right now I think there may be a slight kink in my filament spindle box.  The extruder motor kept running but no plastic came out in one build job.  I can successfully print using the ABP as a heated build platform – but it is only really successful with single print tasks.  More than that and it screws up the raft.

I’m tempted to lightly sand the automated build platform belt to see if that helps.  If not, a friend suggested using blue painter’s tape on the platform.  I’ll try the tape first tomorrow.

Retractable Tape Measure: Reloaded

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Putting together my original spring loaded retractable tape measure taught me a few things.  I’ve made a few changes/revisions to this thing.

  1. The spindle in the center of the exterior part was too thin and susceptible to snapping.  I realized that I could thicken the base of the spindle to give it more strength.
  2. The spindle in the center of the exterior part didn’t seem quite long enough to hold the center spring holder part in place.  I’ve stretched the spindle to be slightly taller – by about 2mm or so.  I’m hoping this will leave a groove in the spindle where the interior spring holder will naturally move towards and allow the entire thing to spin more freely.
  3. The interior spring holder would have been much more useful if it were attached to a large disk to help keep the wound tape in place.  This disk has been added in this latest version.
  4. The interior spring holder has two sets of notches.  One can be used to attach the measuring tape.  The second can be used to attach one end of the metal spring.  Unfortunately, one set of the notches was too narrow and required more cleaning than should be necessary.  I’ve widened this one notch for easier printing.